For most dogs barking is about protection and warning. They bark to warn people and animals that this territory is claimed. They bark to say this is my food or my toy or my human, so stay away. But yapping is all about excitement. Dogs will yap when their owner or friend is approaching. They will yap when you are heading to that cabinet or shelf where they know their treats are located. They will yap when you are opening up the package that contains a new toy.

Sadie sometimes surprises people be not adhering to their stereotype of a little yappy dog. If she’s in a new or strange place or with new people, Sadie is always very quiet. Strangers can approach me while I’m holding her and even pet her without Sadie making a peep. Cats, dogs, squirrels, bikes, cars, anything can pass by while we’re outside and Sadie won’t make a sound. Sadie’s only ever in guard dog mode while on her window seat, and even then she only barks once or twice at anyone who walks on our sidewalk.

But Sadie does get very yappy in one specific circumstance: when someone she knows is coming to the door. If she sees you get out of your car, she makes an excited squealing sound and makes a beeline to the door. Then she will begin yapping incessantly while you open the outside door, come up the stairs, and finally open the door where Sadie has been waiting. She will continue yapping at you until you pay attention to her, then she will go get one of her toys and happily follow you around until you play with her. I know most dog trainers teach you to discourage this type of behavior from your dog, but my family and I think it’s adorable. Whenever she is yapping like that, to me it sounds like “Yay! You’re home! You’re home! You came back! I missed you!!” It makes me smile every time, even when it’s assaulting my eardrums.